Creating the all-former-Knicks team

With so many talented players having worn a Knicks uniform over the last decade, despite the team's lack of success over that period, amNewYork thought it would be fun to put together a full roster of former Knicks who are still on NBA rosters.

That doesn't mean simply taking the 13 best active ex-Knicks and making a list. That's too easy. Instead, the task was to build a starting lineup and a productive bench, all with an eye toward a cost-effective squad with a solid mix of veterans and emerging young players.

Using salary figures from HoopsHype.com, the ex-Knicks' total payroll for 2013-14 would be $64.4 million. The current Knicks payroll sits at $87.7 million, which ranks a distant second behind the Nets' $102 million figure.

If these ex-Knicks were a real team, they would sit just ahead of the Spurs with the 19th-highest payroll. That also puts the ex-Knicks well under the luxury tax threshold of $71.7 million.

Because cost was a factor, that meant some very talented players didn't make the cut. Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, twice an All-Star since being traded by the Knicks early in the 2008-09 season, was left off due to his salary ($17.8 million) and age (32). Suns starter Channing Frye and key Clippers reserve Matt Barnes were other notables left off the roster, but any of these three could be subbed in if this was a list of the 13 best former Knicks.

With that said, here's amNewYork's fantasy team of former Knicks -- let's call them the Knix -- with the first five being the team's starters.

(NOTE: All statistics through Wednesday's games)

David Lee

Knicks tenure: 2005-2010

Current team: Warriors

Age: 30

Salary: $13.9M

2013-14 stats: 57 G, 33.7 MPG, 18.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 0.42 BPG, .514 FG%

Lee was named an All-Star for the second time a year ago and has been key to the Warriors' return to respectability. He's not a strong defensive presence in the middle, but his scoring touch, rebounding and hustle made him a favorite during his time in New York.

(Credit: Getty Images / Chris McGrath)

Knicks tenure: 2005-2010

Current team: Warriors

Age: 30

Salary: $13.9M

2013-14 stats: 57 G, 33.7 MPG, 18.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 0.42 BPG, .514 FG%

Lee was named an All-Star for the second time a year ago and has been key to the Warriors' return to respectability. He's not a strong defensive presence in the middle, but his scoring touch, rebounding and hustle made him a favorite during his time in New York.

(Credit: Getty Images / Chris McGrath)

Jordan Hill

Knicks tenure: 2009-10

Current team: Lakers

Age: 26

Salary: $3.5M

2013-14 stats: 58 G, 19.3 MPG, 8.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.78 BPG, .540 FG%

The Knicks made Hill the eighth overall selection in 2009 and gave him 24 games before shipping him to Houston in the ill-fated deal that brought Tracy McGrady to Manhattan. Four years later and Hill is starting to come into his own on the struggling Lakers. As a starter, he has averaged 10.6 points and 8.4 rebounds.

(Credit: Getty Images / Jed Jacobsohn)

Knicks tenure: 2009-10

Current team: Lakers

Age: 26

Salary: $3.5M

2013-14 stats: 58 G, 19.3 MPG, 8.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.78 BPG, .540 FG%

The Knicks made Hill the eighth overall selection in 2009 and gave him 24 games before shipping him to Houston in the ill-fated deal that brought Tracy McGrady to Manhattan. Four years later and Hill is starting to come into his own on the struggling Lakers. As a starter, he has averaged 10.6 points and 8.4 rebounds.

(Credit: Getty Images / Jed Jacobsohn)

Trevor Ariza

Knicks tenure: 2004-06

Current team: Wizards

Age: 28

Salary: $7.7M

2013-14 stats: 56 G, 36.0 MPG, 15.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.86 SPG, .431 3PT%

This former second-round pick of the Knicks has put together a nice career despite playing for six different teams. Ariza's 3-point shooting is up dramatically while he is posting a career-high in points per game.

(Credit: Getty Images / Ezra Shaw)

Knicks tenure: 2004-06

Current team: Wizards

Age: 28

Salary: $7.7M

2013-14 stats: 56 G, 36.0 MPG, 15.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.86 SPG, .431 3PT%

This former second-round pick of the Knicks has put together a nice career despite playing for six different teams. Ariza's 3-point shooting is up dramatically while he is posting a career-high in points per game.

(Credit: Getty Images / Ezra Shaw)

Jamal Crawford

Knicks tenure: 2004-08

Current team: Clippers

Age: 33

Salary: $5.2M

2013-14 stats: 60 G, 30.7 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 3.2 APG, 0.87 SPG, .422 FG%

The volume-shooting Crawford is second on the Clippers in scoring. He's been a leading sixth man for most of the past four years, but has started 23 games this season for the Pacific Division leaders. He and Lee could play off each other in much the same way Crawford currently does with Blake Griffin.

(Credit: Getty Images / Ezra Shaw)

Knicks tenure: 2004-08

Current team: Clippers

Age: 33

Salary: $5.2M

2013-14 stats: 60 G, 30.7 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 3.2 APG, 0.87 SPG, .422 FG%

The volume-shooting Crawford is second on the Clippers in scoring. He's been a leading sixth man for most of the past four years, but has started 23 games this season for the Pacific Division leaders. He and Lee could play off each other in much the same way Crawford currently does with Blake Griffin.

(Credit: Getty Images / Ezra Shaw)

Jeremy Lin

Knicks tenure: 2011-12

Current team: Rockets

Age: 25

Salary: $5.2M

2013-14 stats: 51 G, 29.4 MPG, 12.2 PPG, 4.3 APG, 0.92 SPG, .335 3PT%

Lin likely wouldn't be a former Knick if Houston hadn't offered to pay him nearly $15 million next season. It's a steep price, but he remains a viable starting point guard with the ability to score from inside and out. Imagine Lin and Lee working the pick-and-roll while opening up shots for Crawford and Ariza on the outside.

(Credit: Getty Images / Rob Carr)

Knicks tenure: 2011-12

Current team: Rockets

Age: 25

Salary: $5.2M

2013-14 stats: 51 G, 29.4 MPG, 12.2 PPG, 4.3 APG, 0.92 SPG, .335 3PT%

Lin likely wouldn't be a former Knick if Houston hadn't offered to pay him nearly $15 million next season. It's a steep price, but he remains a viable starting point guard with the ability to score from inside and out. Imagine Lin and Lee working the pick-and-roll while opening up shots for Crawford and Ariza on the outside.

Nate Robinson

Knicks tenure: 2005-10

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 29

Salary: $2M

2013-14 stats: 44 G, 19.7 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 0.82 SPG, .427 FG%

The diminutive dynamo is still a productive scorer off the bench, and he's a cheap one, too. A torn ACL ended his season with Denver back in January, but when healthy Robinson is the kind of "Energizer Bunny" most teams want from a sixth man.

(Credit: Getty Images / Robert Sullivan)

Knicks tenure: 2005-10

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 29

Salary: $2M

2013-14 stats: 44 G, 19.7 MPG, 10.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 0.82 SPG, .427 FG%

The diminutive dynamo is still a productive scorer off the bench, and he's a cheap one, too. A torn ACL ended his season with Denver back in January, but when healthy Robinson is the kind of "Energizer Bunny" most teams want from a sixth man.

(Credit: Getty Images / Robert Sullivan)

Danilo Gallinari

Knicks tenure: 2008-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 25

Salary: $10.1M

2012-13 stats: 71 G, 32.5 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.51 BPG, .373 3PT%

Like Robinson, Gallinari tore his ACL with Denver and hasn't played since last April. Worse, he suffered a setback in January and needed a second surgery and won't be back this year, either. Such a long layoff could set his game back dramatically, but at worst he could still be a talented shooter coming off the bench for this team upon a return.

(Credit: Getty Images / Chris Trotman)

Knicks tenure: 2008-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 25

Salary: $10.1M

2012-13 stats: 71 G, 32.5 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.51 BPG, .373 3PT%

Like Robinson, Gallinari tore his ACL with Denver and hasn't played since last April. Worse, he suffered a setback in January and needed a second surgery and won't be back this year, either. Such a long layoff could set his game back dramatically, but at worst he could still be a talented shooter coming off the bench for this team upon a return.

(Credit: Getty Images / Chris Trotman)

Wilson Chandler

Knicks tenure: 2007-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 26

Salary: $6.3M

2013-14 stats: 51 G, 31.4 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.76 SPG, .414 FG%

Chandler is a similar player to Ariza, but hasn't yet developed into the type of shooter the Wizards forward has become. To have a player like this coming off the bench along with guys such as Gallinari and Robinson shows how deep this team could be.

(Credit: Getty Images / Sam Greenwood)

Knicks tenure: 2007-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 26

Salary: $6.3M

2013-14 stats: 51 G, 31.4 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.76 SPG, .414 FG%

Chandler is a similar player to Ariza, but hasn't yet developed into the type of shooter the Wizards forward has become. To have a player like this coming off the bench along with guys such as Gallinari and Robinson shows how deep this team could be.

(Credit: Getty Images / Sam Greenwood)

Timofey Mozgov

Knicks tenure: 2010-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 27

Salary: $4.4M

2013-14 stats: 60 G, 20.4 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.22 BPG, .514 FG%

In his limited time with the Knicks, the Russian flashed an ability to score, rebound and block shots when given the opportunity. The only 7-footer -- he's actually 7-1 -- in this group is getting more opportunities than ever with injury-plagued Denver and making the most of it. As far as reserve centers go, Mozgov is a pretty good one.

(Credit: Getty Images / Doug Pensinger)

Knicks tenure: 2010-11

Current team: Nuggets

Age: 27

Salary: $4.4M

2013-14 stats: 60 G, 20.4 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.22 BPG, .514 FG%

In his limited time with the Knicks, the Russian flashed an ability to score, rebound and block shots when given the opportunity. The only 7-footer -- he's actually 7-1 -- in this group is getting more opportunities than ever with injury-plagued Denver and making the most of it. As far as reserve centers go, Mozgov is a pretty good one.

(Credit: Getty Images / Doug Pensinger)

Beno Udrih

Knicks tenure: 2013-14

Current team: Grizzlies

Age: 31

Salary: $913K

2013-14 stats: 32 G, 18.7 MPG, 5.5 PPG, 3.5 APG, 0.72 SPG, .425 3PT%

Yes, he wore out his welcome with the Knicks earlier this season, but most of the Knicks' recent former point guards are either playing at an advanced age or retired. Ideally, Lin would handle the bulk of the minutes at point.

(Credit: Getty Images / Bruce Bennett)

Knicks tenure: 2013-14

Current team: Grizzlies

Age: 31

Salary: $913K

2013-14 stats: 32 G, 18.7 MPG, 5.5 PPG, 3.5 APG, 0.72 SPG, .425 3PT%

Yes, he wore out his welcome with the Knicks earlier this season, but most of the Knicks' recent former point guards are either playing at an advanced age or retired. Ideally, Lin would handle the bulk of the minutes at point.

Chauncey Billups

Knicks tenure: 2011

Current team: Pistons

Age: 37

Salary: $2.5M

2013-14 stats: 19 G, 16.3 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 2.2 APG, 0.42 SPG, .304 FG%

Billups is one of those point guards who is past his prime. His primary contribution would be leadership. He'd be better utilized as a distributor when on the court, given his poor shooting this season.

(Credit: Getty Images / Elsa)

Knicks tenure: 2011

Current team: Pistons

Age: 37

Salary: $2.5M

2013-14 stats: 19 G, 16.3 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 2.2 APG, 0.42 SPG, .304 FG%

Billups is one of those point guards who is past his prime. His primary contribution would be leadership. He'd be better utilized as a distributor when on the court, given his poor shooting this season.

(Credit: Getty Images / Elsa)

Ronny Turiaf

Knicks tenure: 2010-11

Current team: Timberwolves

Age: 31

Salary: $1.6M

2013-14 stats: 23 G, 20.9 MPG, 4.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.70 BPG, .553 FG%

Turiaf's impact goes beyond the box score. His motor never stops when he's on the court, and he's willing to do all the things many star players won't do. Whether be plays 10 minutes or 25, he can make an impact for any team.

(Credit: Getty Images / Al Bello)

Knicks tenure: 2010-11

Current team: Timberwolves

Age: 31

Salary: $1.6M

2013-14 stats: 23 G, 20.9 MPG, 4.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.70 BPG, .553 FG%

Turiaf's impact goes beyond the box score. His motor never stops when he's on the court, and he's willing to do all the things many star players won't do. Whether be plays 10 minutes or 25, he can make an impact for any team.

(Credit: Getty Images / Al Bello)

Josh Harrellson

Knicks tenure: 2011-12

Current team: Pistons

Age: 25

Salary: $884K

2013-14 stats: 32 G, 9.9 MPG, 2.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.47 BPG, .387 3PT%

The big man has a nice shooting touch and is no slouch as a defender. The youngest player among this bunch has time to develop further into a useful reserve.

(Credit: Getty Images / Andy Lyons)

Knicks tenure: 2011-12

Current team: Pistons

Age: 25

Salary: $884K

2013-14 stats: 32 G, 9.9 MPG, 2.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.47 BPG, .387 3PT%

The big man has a nice shooting touch and is no slouch as a defender. The youngest player among this bunch has time to develop further into a useful reserve.